The former King Juan Carlos I of Spain has never found himself far away from scandal. Over the years, he has faced allegations about his behaviour, as well as suggestions of financial impropriety and infidelity.
Juan Carlos, who ruled as King from November 1975 until his abdication in June 2014, has lived in the United Arab Emirates since 2020 after leaving his home country behind. After he stepped down, his son became King Felipe VI and his granddaughter, Princess Leonor, became the heir apparent. Now, sources have revealed that the former monarch has sent a clear and firm message about his feelings surrounding the way he has been treated.
Spanish news site, Monarquía Confidencial, reports that Juan Carlos said: “I have kept quiet a lot, for the good of the institution and Spain, but there are things I can no longer tolerate.”
These words, spoken in privacy, reflect his growing discomfort with certain institutional decisions and the public treatment he has received in recent years since he left Spain in August 2020 and established his residence in Abu Dhabi.
His returns to the country on specific occasions, such as regattas, private visits and family events, have been surrounded by controversy, restrictions and political statements that, according to these sources, have contributed to the feeling of personal injustice and increasing disconnection from the institutional core.
The news site goes on to claim that the same sources say Juan Carlos I has assumed difficult silences and has remained in the background “out of responsibility,” avoiding public statements or movements that could harm the image of the Spanish Crown.
However, this situation would be reaching the limit of his patience as he reportedly added: “I manage my own life.”
King Juan Carlos I was born in Rome on January 5, 1938. He married the future Queen Sofia of Spain in 1962 and was the King from 1975 until he abdicated in 2014. The pair had three children: Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo, Infanta Cristina of Spain and King Felipe VI.
